San Leandro, CA — This weekend, Drake’s Brewing Co. released its 2016 Jolly Rodger Ale. For more than two decades, Drake’s has stuck to a tradition of brewing a totally new beer every year for Jolly Rodger. Brewmaster John Gillooly describes this year’s version as a Transatlantic Winter Warmer. It’s made with a hearty concoction of specialty malts, dark candi sugar, and a Belgian ale yeast, which is an especially aromatic yeast strain. The 2016 edition of Jolly Rodger, available November through January, has comforting notes of caramel, baking spice, and sun-dried raisins.
Additionally, Drake’s again will be releasing a small quantity of its Barrel Aged Jolly Rodger in wax-dipped 22-oz bottles. The brewery’s Barrel Program Manager, Travis Camacho, took the 2015 Jolly Rodger (an Imperial Coffee Porter) and aged it for a year in High West Rye Whiskey barrels. The complex brew features flavors of oak, rye spice, cold brewed espresso, and chocolate-dipped figs. It’s round, warming, and comforting and can either be enjoyed immediately or cellared for a few years.
Jolly Rodger is available in 22-oz. bottles and on tap until January and pairs well with winter dishes like oxtail stew, pork tenderloin, sweet potatoes, and bread pudding.
About Drake’s Brewing Co.
Drake’s Brewing Co., an independent craft brewery located in San Leandro, Calif., has been dedicated to bringing people together over great beer since 1989. Quietly situated in its gritty warehouse environs, Drake’s has become known over the years for consistently producing a wide variety of hop-forward craft beers. From the groundbreaking 1500 Pale Ale to innovative creations like the Denogginizer Dotuble IPA, and most recently, a growing collection of artisan barrel-aged and sour beers, the brewery’s dedication to quality and integrity shines through in every beer. As one of the original craft breweries in the Bay Area, Drake’s is dedicated to supporting its community first and working tirelessly to bring its brand of quality beer to more people.
Drake’s Brewery and Barrel House is located at 1933 Davis Street, Building 177, in San Leandro. Drake’s Dealership is located at 2325 Broadway Auto Row in Oakland. For more information, visit Drake’s Brewing Co. online at DrinkDrakes.com or call 510-568- BREW.